Have a male...what would you do?

[DozenChipper]

Cockerels are always the sweetest babies. They lack fear and bond quickly.

He will be a sweet baby boy until he’s a few months old. Then one day, out of the blue, he will attack you or your kids.

If course this May not happen! You may get seriously lucky. But, if you find you do want a roo to protect your free range flock, I highly recommend buying a good roo off of someone online that is an adult roo whose characteristics are known.

I wouldn’t start your chicken journey with a boy in tow. It’s too hard and the odds are too against you. Post him now to sell or give away. Posting with a girl will get him to sell easier. Selling instead of free helps to keep him from harm. Plus it sounds like you may have space issues.

This is all just my opinion- obviously take it or leave it!

Good luck!

Thanks. I need to hear these things. I do have some younger children and their safety is top priority

 

[NatJ]

we have winters but they're not that bad. Va/Md/DC area. I'd probably just use a different shed 8 feet away rather than modify, I've decided.

Some well-secured tarps on several sides of the run can make a big difference in the winter, by blocking wind, along with the rain and snow that might come in with the wind. Of course a loose, flapping tarp will soon rip itself free, and then it's not doing any good.

 

[Mrs. K]

I love the idea of the shed for the adult birds. The little one will work just fine for a couple of weeks, maybe 6 weeks.

Chickens are not like dogs - where as you can keep them in all day and take them for a walk, they get their energy wore off and are fine to go back in the house. Chickens need a lot of fresh air, and a safe run is important...so they can be outside from sun up to sun down if they want too.

I highly recommend a good run attached to the shed that they can go in and out as they please. Then if you want to let them out in the evening, a good thing, but if you can't, well they had fresh air and sunshine anyways.

Mrs K